About us
We are the regulator of the UK's private security industry.
We were established under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 to contribute to public protection by setting and improving standards in the regulated private security industry.
The Act covers England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the following activities:
- cash and valuables in transit
- close protection
- door supervision
- public space surveillance (CCTV)
- security guarding
- key holding
- vehicle immobilisation (in Northern Ireland only)
We support the Home Office priorities of reducing terrorism, preventing and tackling crime, and ensuring people feel safe in their homes and communities.
Responsibilities
We are responsible for:
- licensing people who do certain jobs in the private security industry
- approving private security companies who wish to be part of our Approved Contractor Scheme
- conducting inspections
- monitoring the activities of people operating within the private security industry and taking enforcement action where necessary
- setting and approving standards of conduct and training for the private security industry
- making recommendations on ways to improve standards in the private security industry
Priorities
From 2024 to 2025 our priorities will be to:
- focus on improved public protection outcomes as we operate a robust, risk-based licensing and compliance regime
- provide value for money for licence holders by spending well and being efficient in discharging our responsibilities and delivering our purpose, especially through our Digital, Data and Technology Strategy
- ensure entry training and behavioural standards keep pace with public expectations and support the private security industry in taking responsibility for further improving standards
- work with the industry to improve the standards which security businesses work to and promote the value of good standards in security provision, especially through developing the next stage of the Business Approval Scheme
- use our influence as a respected regulator and work jointly with key partners to secure compliance, higher standards, and improved public confidence in private security provision
- support our employees to give their best, perform at the highest level, continually improve their skills and fulfil their potential to ensure that we meet our public protection aims and deliver high quality services
Who we are
We are an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office.
We were established in 2003 and we started licensing people in 2004. In 2006 we launched our voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme for private security businesses.
We employ over 360 members of staff. We have an office base in London, but we also employ investigators and other staff who work closely with the industry and are located throughout the UK.
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